These are my top picks — the cards I'd open first or recommend first to a friend. You do not need all of them. Start with one. Build from there. The "Start slow, then go fast" rule applies here more than anywhere else.
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Affiliate disclosure: Some of the links below are referral or affiliate links. If you apply and get approved through them, I may earn a small commission or bonus points at no extra cost to you. I only recommend cards I personally hold or would hold. Pinky promise — no card makes this page just because it pays. Opinions are mine alone.
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The Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet
Every transfer partner for Chase, Amex, Capital One, Citi, and Bilt — with the exact ratios — on one printable sheet. Plus my seven golden rules of transferring, so you never move points to the wrong place.
Updated July 2026 · 3 pages · Save it to your phone for booking day.
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The questions everyone asks.
Before you apply for anything, read these. I get the same questions in my DMs all the time.
Will this wreck my credit score?
Honest answer: no, if you do it right. My credit score has steadily climbed over the past 3.5 years. Pay your bills on time, never close a card before it's been open a year, and follow the recommended pacing. The hard inquiry from a new card causes a small temporary dip — but on-time payments and increased total credit limit pull your score back up (and often higher).
How often should I apply for new cards?
My general rule: every 90 days. Not a hard rule — sometimes a killer offer comes along and I'll do 30. If you have a Player 2 (spouse/partner), alternate. I open one, hit the spend, then my husband opens his. Doubles the household earn rate.
What if I can't hit the minimum spend?
Time the application around natural large expenses — insurance payments, car repairs, back-to-school shopping, tuition. You can also pay for friends/family and have them reimburse you. Never overspend just to hit a bonus — interest charges will wipe out any rewards.
Do I qualify for business cards?
Probably yes. Selling on FB Marketplace, Etsy, freelancing on the side, running a short-term rental — all count as a sole proprietorship. You don't need an LLC or EIN. Business cards are the secret weapon for sustaining this hobby.
I'm overwhelmed. Where do I actually start?
One card. Just one. For most beginners, I recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Open it. Hit the spend. Earn your first welcome bonus. See what 60K+ points actually look like. Then we talk about card #2.
Not sure which card is right for you?
Send me an email — most simple questions I answer for free. Or book a 1:1 call and we'll map your whole 12-month plan.
📲I share transfer bonuses, limited-time offers, and real trip breakdowns on Instagram — often before they make it to the site.Follow @wander.method →
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New to points and miles? Start here.
Your first card, how to hit the bonus, and what to do with the points — step by step, no jargon. I'll send it straight to your inbox.
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